What is the difference between interference and derivation proceedings?

While both interference and derivation proceedings deal with competing claims to an invention, they serve different purposes and apply to different time periods in U.S. patent law. The MPEP 2301 briefly mentions derivation proceedings: “See MPEP ยง 2310 et seq. for discussion of derivation proceedings.” Key differences include: Interference Proceedings: Apply to pre-AIA (before March…

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What are extraordinary remedies in a derivation proceeding?

Extraordinary remedies in a derivation proceeding are special measures that the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) may include in its judgment. These remedies can have significant impacts on the application or patent. As mentioned in MPEP 2315: “It is possible that extraordinary remedies might be provided for by the Board in its judgment. For…

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How should examiners handle claims in a petitioner’s application during a derivation proceeding?

According to MPEP 2311, examiners should handle claims in a petitioner’s application during a derivation proceeding as follows: “The claims in petitioner’s application that are patentably indistinct from respondent’s application or patent should be subject to a rejection under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) which should be maintained until jurisdiction is transferred to the Board to conduct…

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Can an examiner continue to examine a patent application involved in a derivation proceeding?

No, once a patent application becomes involved in a derivation proceeding, the examiner cannot continue regular examination. According to MPEP 2313: “The examiner may not act on an involved patent or application except as the Board may authorize.” This means that all examination activities are suspended unless the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) specifically…

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What should an examiner do when they find allowable subject matter in a derivation proceeding?

When an examiner finds allowable subject matter in an application involved in a derivation proceeding, they should follow specific guidelines as outlined in MPEP 2311: “When the examiner has determined that either the petitioner’s or the respondent’s application (where applicable) has allowable subject matter with respect to any claim, the examiner should refrain from taking…

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What is the difference between derivation proceedings and interference proceedings?

Derivation proceedings and interference proceedings are both related to patent disputes, but they serve different purposes and apply to different patent regimes. The key differences are: Applicable Law: Derivation proceedings are part of the America Invents Act (AIA) and apply to patents under the first-inventor-to-file system. Interference proceedings were part of the pre-AIA system. Purpose:…

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What must be included in a derivation proceeding petition?

A petition for a derivation proceeding must contain specific information to be considered by the USPTO. According to MPEP 2310.01, which cites 35 U.S.C. 135(a)(1): “The petition shall set forth with particularity the basis for finding that an individual named in an earlier application as the inventor or a joint inventor derived such invention from…

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What happens if a derivation proceeding is not instituted?

If a derivation proceeding is not instituted, the petitioner has options for further action. According to MPEP 2310: “If the Director decides not to institute a derivation proceeding, a notice of non-institution will be sent to the petitioner and the patent owner, as applicable.“ In this case: The petitioner may request a rehearing within 30…

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